During Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to highlight the experiences of those unjustly incarcerated. Omar, who is working on his 17th year in prison, is one such individual. His story is a testament to the disproportionate impact of mass incarceration on Hispanic communities. According to the BOP, Hispanic individuals make up 31.1% of the U.S. prison population. Omar’s words, which we’ll soon feature on our new website, offer a glimpse into the human cost of this systemic issue. Please take a moment to learn more about Omar and the challenges faced by many Hispanic inmates.

My name is Juan Antonio Cavazos, Jr. I am currently incarcerated for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marihuana and possession with intent to distribute marihuana to serve a sentence of 210 months. Out of that commitment I have served 138 months. Many changes in law have come into effect that have helped certain inmates setting them free or cutting their time short. However, us, who are incarcerated for marihuana charges, without elements of violence to the charges, are still sitting in prison for a drug that is now being monopolized from at a very high level. Even taken as medicinal by standards specified in statutes and regulations.

Notes were made during presidential elections regarding this issue of decriminalizing marihuana concerning Scheduling involving the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Yet, it has only been put in the back burner. Advocates raise their voice and given the moment to speak their points. The main questions here are: has the time been given to consider the points and benefits of making the changes in law consisting of marihuana giving the government full control of a “once-dangerous” drug (like alcohol was at one point in the prohibition era) into a moderately-regulated substance? Has our freedom been given thought and consideration that Senate has recognized that marihuana has now become a substance of medicinal benefit as well as recreational with set standards? But, have they been heard and taken seriously?

This is the time! This is the time to fulfill the claims made during presidential debates where many families and advocates placed their trust in you, the governing chief, trusting you would make your word right. An action more than half the nation has been waiting for. Especially us, me, a marihuana distributor. Can you please just sign my Commutation of Sentence Case No: C306109? And the rest of the guys’ in for non-violent marihuana offenses as well?

Sincerely,
Juan Antonio Cavazos, Jr.
Reg. 27216-179